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Sunday, August 14, 2016

Clandestine Wrap

This design uses very simple stitch patterns (dc for the body and fishnet chains for the sleeves) and a simple increase (add dc) to shape the neck and armholes. The goal is to focus on the fit of the garment. Selecting soft yarn with good drape is therefore important, so that the garment wraps around the body shape.

I include some sketches pointing out the shaping and construction of the garment. It is quite simple. Once you are able to complete the basic garment, it should not be too difficult modifying the design by using a different stitch pattern, altering the length and design of the sleeves, etc.

Happy crocheting!
Fatima

“Clandestine” must be worked only in the softest and most luxurious yarns. It must drape and wrap sultry to the body. The design and construction of “Clandestine” is surprisingly simple with uncomplicated shaping, crocheted with basic stitches. You can make “Clandestine” to fit your measurements and easily modify the pattern to change the length of the sleeve. To make a garment that fits a bust 34”, I used two hanks of Silky-Cashmere by Lotus Yarns. The leftover, I used to make a complementary scarf. Beautiful!

NOTES: “Clandestine” is commenced at the back. The left front side and the right front side are worked separately from the shoulders and then the sides seamed, forming the armholes. The sleeves are worked around the armholes and the straps are worked at each side. Finally, a decorative trim is worked along the neck.

Instructions for four sizes is provided below but you can make “Clandestine” to fit your size by making the corresponding number of foundation stitches according to your measurements.

Row 3: Dc in first dc (increase made), dc in next dc and in each dc across, making 2 dc in last dc (increase made). Ch 3, turn.

Row 4: Repeat Row 3.

Rows 5 - 6: Repeat Row 2.

Rows 7 - 8: Repeat Row 3.

Rows 9 - onwards: Repeat Rows 5-8 until piece measures 8 (9, 9, 10) “ from the top, this shapes the armhole of the piece; then continue as follows:

Next Row: Sk first dc, dc in next dc and in each dc across. Ch 3, turn. Repeat this row until the piece measures 17 (18, 19, 20)” long from the top. Fasten off.

FRONT RIGHT SIDE

Row 1: Join yarn with sl st to first foundation ch at top corner of back piece, ch 3 (count as dc), sk first ch, dc in each of next 12 (14, 16, 18) ch, ch 3 (count as dc here and thereafter), turn.

Row 2 - 8: As in instructions for Back section above.

Rows 9 - onwards: Repeat the established pattern with increase at both sides corresponding with the Back section.

Next Row: Continue with the established pattern but this time continuing the increase along the center front side and no increase along the outer side of the piece (under the armhole of the piece). Fasten off.

LEFT FRONT SIDE

Work this section as mirror image of Front Right Side. Fasten off.

SEAMS

Join seams along each side of the piece with [sc, ch, sc, ch] worked evenly on the wrong side, alternately, you can sew the seams together, starting at the last increase row down to the hem.

SLEEVES

Join yarn with sc to st at armpit and work evenly (ch 5, sc) all around the armhole ending with ch 2, dc in first sc. Continue the next round as follows: sc in same st, *ch 5, sc in next 5-ch loop, rep fr * all around, again ending with ch 2, dc in first sc. Continue in this manner until sleeve measures 9 (9, 10, 10)”; end with a trim row by working 3 sc, picot evenly. Fasten off.

Repeat as above for the other sleeve.

STRAPS

Join yarn with sl st to bottom front corner of Front Right Side and make 12 sc evenly along 3 rows, then ch 3, turn, sk first sc, dc in each of next sc, ch 3, turn, sk first dc, dc in each of next dc; repeat this pattern to make a strap at least 30” long. Fasten off. Repeat the procedure to make strap on Front left Side. Fasten off.

TRIM

Working on the right side, join yarn with sc to fifth row of strap, then make trim all around the neck and down until the fifth row of the other strap as follows: ]ch 3, 2 dc in sc at base of 3-ch, sc in next row]. Fasten off.